Sport
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke Point out changes for QPR why defeat 1-0
In order to defeat Queens Park Rangers 1-0 at home, Daniel Farke informed his Leeds United players that he was proud of them for handling the pressure and difficulty that came after a loss.
The Whites took the lead right away thanks to Crysencio Summerville and were by much the better team in the opening frame without adding to their score. While Leeds may have added another goal or two before QPR finally succeeded in forcing Illan Meslier into action, the second half was more challenging for Leeds. Lyndon Dykes’ late goaltending stop preserved the clean sheet and secured the victory.
Asmir Begovic’s red card in stoppage time for a challenge on Patrick Bamford was the game’s major talking point, even though video indicated there was no contact and both players told Rangers manager that there was none.
Farke, who said he was too far away to be able to judge the flash point, preferred to talk about his team’s performance which is the kind they will need to produce on occasion if they want to challenge for promotion.
“I told the lads today I’m really proud because you can be on a great spell like we were before Southampton but it’s always the same, when there’s one disappointing result the next game is unbelievably difficult. To grind out a result it’s never champagne or fireworks, it’s always hard work. I absolutely love when we play opponents off the park but these games, when it’s so tough – we scored a brilliant goal but didn’t score the second and let them live – everything can happen.
“Because you don’t score the second you get more and more nervous. It’s football. We’ve still dominated each and every statistic, but there’s one scruffy situation, one ball goes through and thank God Illan was in the right position. Pretty pleased that we won and brought this tight lead over the line. To be there again with a clean sheet and answer a disappointing loss with a win is what you need if you’re to be there to celebrate at the end of the season.”
Farke made four changes to his side after the 3-1 loss at Southampton, bringing Jaidon Anthony in for a first start and reintroducing Joe Rodon, Archie Gray and Luke Ayling. Jamie Shackleton missed out with a shoulder injury as Liam Cooper, Glen Kamara and Daniel James dropped to the bench. The hectic nature of this week was at the heart of Farke’s decision making.
We have three games in seven days, and each one has a new set of tactical requirements, he explained.
“We left several players out, including Dan James, who had five assists, but there were significant preseason and season-long injury issues. You can’t always take chances with players. We always require the entire group. All of my players have my full confidence. You must offer some players who haven’t played before an opportunity during a hectic moment. It’s crucial that they employ it. Everything is nice because we leave with a clean sheet and three points.
Bamford gave Leeds momentum with his runs in behind and physicality late in the game, and Farke was thrilled to be able to trust on him.
